How to replace the agitator dogs in a Kenmore washer

Is the top of the agitator in your Kenmore washer refusing to agitate? You might have faulty agitator dogs.

The agitator dogs are plastic projections/fins inside the top of the agitator that help facilitate the agitator’s motion and cleaning action during the wash cycle.

As your washer’s agitator rotates back and forth, the agitator dogs grip the inner agitator. There are ridges inside that the dogs grip so the top of the agitator only turns in one direction. As the agitator shifts in the opposite direction, the upper section remains stationary.

Replacing the agitator dogs is a straightforward process that won’t take much time. You can find new agitator dogs and other replacement parts for your Kenmore washer here. You can also enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find what you need. It’s that easy! Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Disclaimer: The part replacement information provided in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What you need

• 7/16 socket and extension
• Pliers
• Replacement agitator dogs (make sure they’re compatible with your model)

Disclaimer: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Safety tips

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

How to replace the agitator dogs

1. Turn off the washer and unplug it from the power supply.
2. Turn off the water supply to the washer.
3. Lift the lid to access the agitator dogs.
4. On the top of the agitator, you’ll either have a cap or a fabric softener cap. Remove either one of these by just pulling it up. Then set it off to the side.
5. Look down into the agitator and find a dust cap with a rubber seal. Remove this cap. You might be able to reach in and pull this out by hand, but most of the time you’ll need to use pliers to take it out. There are ridges on the cap that pliers can grip easier so you can pull it out and set it off to the side.
6. Find the 7/16-inch bolt. Use the socket and extension to reach it.
7. Go counterclockwise to loosen and remove the bolt. You’ll probably have to hold the lower portion of the agitator so it doesn’t turn.
8. Pull the top agitator out and turn it over, which will let the cam with the old agitator dogs fall out.
9. Flip the whole cam assembly over and set it on a flat surface.
10. Slide the cam bearing up off the cam.
11.  Replace all the agitator dogs one at a time. The old ones will slide up out of the groove so you can slide in a new one in the same direction.
12. Slide the cam assembly back into the upper agitator.
13. Reinstall the top agitator.
14. Tighten the 7/16 inch bolt.
15. Replace the dust cap and the top for your agitator.
16. Plug the washer back in and turn on the water supply.
17. Run a small test load to make sure the washer is working correctly.

Final thoughts

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the agitator dogs in your Kenmore washer.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel. We can also help you troubleshoot common washer problems here.

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